devise a response

USAGE SUMMARY

"Devise a response" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to come up with a plan of action or a solution to something. For example, "I have been asked to deliver a presentation on the company's new policies. I need to devise a response that will make the audience understand and accept the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Fallon took a loaded moment to devise a response.

The New York Times - Magazine

The report prompted widespread public concern; Mrs. Clinton asked administration officials to devise a response.

The New York Times

Once you have a bit of distance from the event, you can devise a response with more clarity.

WikiHow

Amid calls for the public release of the report, Brennan faces having to devise a response that doesn't alienate his workforce or the lawmakers who confirmed him for his job.

The Washington Post

A cross-discipline team was commissioned by the Regional Plan Association and the Rockefeller Foundation to devise a response to the pressure put on the region's coastlines within 50 years and six feet of sea-level rise.

The Guardian

Mar-a-Lago members and their guests, on the other hand, had a front-row seat to a brewing foreign policy crisis, when Mr. Trump and his aides huddled on the dining patio to devise a response to North Korea's launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile in the middle of a dinner with Shinzo Abe, the Japanese prime minister, and his wife.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The school district spent the Thanksgiving weekend devising a response, and on Monday, officials brought in counselors as part of a student forum, said Daniel T. McCann, the schools superintendent.

The New York Times

She was tapped by Obama to serve as chief economist for the White House in November 2008 as the newly elected president was devising a response to a global economic panic.

The Washington Post

When Patrick was accused of being all-words-and-no-action by his opponent in the 2006 gubernatorial election, Axelrod devised a response for him that involved poking fun of the charge by referencing great speeches of iconic American leaders--JFK, FDR, MLK.

Huffington Post

That's not a border crisis, it's a policy crisis, and this administration is so blinded by anti-immigrant animus that it is incapable of devising a response that will do anything but make camps like this one bigger and worse.

Los Angeles Times

Can Delta devise a better response?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devise a response", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you are responding to. Providing context enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overcomplicating the response when using "devise a response". Aim for simplicity and directness to ensure that the message is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devise a response" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the action of creating or formulating a reaction to a situation. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests intentionally coming up with a plan.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devise a response" is a verbal phrase used to describe the action of creating or formulating a reaction to a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, suggesting its application when a plan of action or solution is needed. The phrase exhibits a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for various contexts like news, academia, and business. While alternatives such as "formulate a response" or "develop a reaction" exist, "devise a response" directly conveys the act of intentionally creating a reaction. Remember to provide adequate context to maintain clarity and avoid overcomplicating the response. Authoritative sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian, frequently employ the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulate a response

Focuses on a more structured or systematic approach to creating a response.

develop a reaction

Emphasizes the unfolding or evolution of a response over time.

craft a reply

Suggests careful and skillful creation of a response, often in a written format.

form a plan of action

Highlights the strategic planning aspect of creating a response.

generate a solution

Shifts the focus towards finding a resolution to a problem as a response.

contrive a rejoinder

Implies a clever or inventive response, often in a debate or argument.

invent a retort

Suggests creating a sharp or witty reply, often in a spontaneous manner.

construct a counter-argument

Focuses on building a logical and persuasive response to oppose a specific viewpoint.

put together a strategy

Emphasizes the assembling of a comprehensive plan for responding to a challenge.

conceive an answer

Highlights the mental process of coming up with a suitable reply or solution.

FAQs

What does "devise a response" mean?

The phrase "devise a response" means to create or formulate a plan or reaction to a particular situation or event. It implies thinking through and developing a considered answer or approach.

How can I use "devise a response" in a sentence?

You can use "devise a response" to describe the process of planning a reaction. For example: "The team met to "formulate a response" to the customer complaints".

What are some alternatives to "devise a response"?

Alternatives to "devise a response" include "develop a reaction", "formulate a response", or "craft a reply", each carrying slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is it better to say "devise a response" or "develop a response"?

Both "devise a response" and "develop a response" are valid, but "devise a response" suggests a more immediate and intentional creation, while "develop a response" might imply a gradual evolution or refinement of the reaction.